Ambitious Eaton Socon have captured a player on the fringes of the South African Under 19 team as their overseas player for 2015.

Mickey Hay, a hard-hitting batsman and an off-spin bowler, spent a week on trial for his national side last month.

But he will soon be joining the local club’s quest for promotion from Division Two of the Tucker Gardner Cambs League. Socon are keen to make amends for a disappointing ninth-placed finish last term as they failed to follow up a fine third place in their debut campaign at this level in 2013.

And the teenager will also be a huge asset off the field where he will be actively involved in the club’s coaching programme.

Club president and first XI captain Terry Day said: “It is great to have signed Mickey as a player and coach for 2015.

“He will bring a lot to the club on the coaching side for the junior section and he will certainly strengthen the batting line up while also giving us a useful spin bowling option for what promises to be an exciting year.

“We’re hoping to make another signing soon and we should then be in a position to look at a push for promotion. We’re also looking for our second XI to be promoted straight back into Hunts Division One at the first attempt after what was a disappointing season for both teams in 2014.

“Mikey will also play for us on a Sunday in the Rutland League and that will be a huge help as we found it a struggle to field a competitive side in Division One last season.”

Hay, who holds a British passport, comes from the small coastal town of Umtentweni in KwaZulu-Natal. He has represented the Natal Under 19 team at provincial level.